The hashtag mimics #MeToo, which trended for days as people continued to come out about sexual harassment they've experienced. Now, #ChurchToo shatters long-held ideas of the church as a place of moral superiority. Using the hashtag, people talk not only about sexual abuse at the hands of religious leaders but also about how church practices have harassed and shamed young people (mostly young women) for expressing sexuality or, in some cases, merely existing.

Instinct is condemned as idolatry; self-deprecation is taught as a virtue: the chief-of-sinners narrative. Women young and old are trained to develop the art of dismissing ourselves, mind and body, making us ripe for grooming. #churchtoo

I had a youth minister who, during a breakout session with all the boys at my church camp, called me by name because of the size of my boobs during their discussion on controlling lust, as if their proximity to me was partly to blame. #churchtoo

When I kissed a boy and my Youth Pastor met alone with me and said: "Go wash your hands bc you should feel dirty about what you did". He sympathized with the boy and told him to avoid a "temptress" like me. I was 16. #ChurchToo

Following the #churchtoo hash with interest. Many #metoo stories at the hands of the church. And me? I was made to sign a purity contract at age 11. And witnessed a man confess from the pulpit having sex w/a child. Praised for his bravery. No further action.

And still others had stories of being shamed for their own sexual assaults:

At a friend’s youth group, in response to a talk on purity and modesty, l went with tears in my eyes to a female volunteer. l shared that l had been raped and felt shame about not being pure. She responded by asking if l had repented of my role in what happened. #churchtoo

Someone I love very much went to her pastor to tell him her stepfather was molesting her. It was the first time she reached out for help. It was also the last. Minister asked her what she'd done to "tempt" and "entice him". She was 11. #churchtoo

While it's not the first time church leaders have been accused of sexual assault or harassment, these stories give us a glimpse into the depth of the problem. Sexual assault isn't just an issue in Hollywood, in politics, or at work. It's happening even in the places people are told they should feel most safe — where they go to take care of their spiritual health.

Hopefully the stories being shared with #ChurchToo will not only help people recognize subtle moments of sexual harassment at church, but also have the courage to call out abuse.

If you have experienced sexual violence and are in need of crisis support, please call the RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).